The scheme to build new office space and flatten a 1930s office building on a plot neighbouring Leadenhall Market was originally approved by City of London councillors in October 2023. The consented plans also included an exhibition space and a public hall.Updated proposals put to consultation this month show that Woods Bagot has reduced the height of 85 Gracechurch Street by two storeys and relocated a proposed exhibition space on the ground floor, where the important Roman remains have been discovered during excavation work.The London Museum will be involved in what Woods Bagot says is a new historic and immersive experience for London, providing a permanent public display, events space and an immersive experience.AdvertisementThe AJ understands the rejigged scheme will be similar in appearance to the consented plans, which incorporates the faade of the 1930s building standing on the site into the new build plans.Stepping down towards the east, the consented tower was designed to provide 37,000m2 of office space across 27 floors, sitting above five storeys of other uses, including a public hall, a heritage garden and heritage walkway.Historic England had raised concerns over the harm to the Grade II*-listed Leadenhall Market and said Woods Bagots consented scheme was low to moderate in the range of less than substantial harm, as per the National Planning Policy Framework.HE also recognised tensions regarding the towers height with respect to the former Local Plan, which was not designated for tall buildings. However, under the draft City Plan, Leadenhall is earmarked for a cluster of tall buildings.Duncan Wilson, Historic Englands chief executive, said the heritage body had worked on the updated proposals and that the discovery of the basilica offered an opportunity to capitalise on the Citys Roman heritage.AdvertisementHe said: To find the dais of the Basilica, the heart of Londons Roman Forum, surviving beneath todays bustling Square Mile, is really something special. To capitalise on this extraordinary discovery we have helped shape a new public display of the archaeological remains, offering a brand-new visitor experience in the City.This underscores our belief that well-displayed and interpreted archaeology brings real value and character to a development, celebrating the heritage of places while delivering something new.Ron Hertshten, chief executive of project backer Hertshten Properties, added: The Roman basilica will be incorporated as a world-class public experience through updates to the proposed design of the development, right in its original location.With the expertise of MOLA, London Museum and Woods Bagot, the exhibition space will be the only public display of the first Roman Forum in London. Together, the commercial and civic elements of the updated planning application will enable us to deliver much-needed world-class office space, as well as revitalise the site and complement the adjacent Leadenhall Market, creating a seven-days-a-week destination at 85 Gracechurch Street.A planning application is due to be submitted this spring, with completion scheduled for 2029/30, depending on approval and further excavation work.Site view